Heidi Montag became an over-the-top version of herself after undergoing 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day in 2010.

Though she's shunned the spotlight since then, the former Hills star, 25, recently opened up to Celebuzz about why she'll never go under the knife again. "It was a lot more than I could have expected," she admitted. "I really hate talking about it now because it was so long ago. I was a much different person back then to who I am now. I didn't realize how much of The Hills — and going through that — would define who I am."

Montag — who got brow-lifts, ear-pinnings and a chin reduction, among other improvements — told Celebuzz she's "really thankful" her body didn't become disfigured post-surgery. "It could have been really disastrous."

Heidi Montag on April 27, 2010

"I lived and I learned, and I wouldn't really recommend it for other people. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be going through it — physically, mentally, emotionally, recovering," she said of having work done. "But, I'm just glad it's done and that everything healed so well."

Lauren Conrad's former BFF (who released an EP, Dreams Come True, in April) added that she has a few projects lined up, but felt it was premature to reveal any details. "I'm really looking forward to the next phase in my life," explained Montag, who married SpencerPratt, 28, in November 2008. "I know I'll never be able to get away from a lot of [my past], but I won't give up trying to prove I'm more than just that."